Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra (CUJO)
Josephine Davies musical director
Award-winning saxophonist, conductor and composer Josephine Davies has been writing for large ensembles for the past 15 years, beginning during her residency as tenor saxophonist in the London Jazz Orchestra led by Scott Stroman. This was an opportunity for her to experiment with ideas and sounds, and eventually begin her own band. Deeply inspired by a range of composers from Vince Mendoza to Maria Schneider, Josephine’s writing focuses on flowing melodies, rich harmonies and creative use of instrumental textures.
Her debut jazz orchestra album was released last year on Ubuntu Records to widespread critical acclaim, and she will be joined in the studio at the beginning of 2027 for a follow-up album by the wonderful up-and-coming vocalist Immy Churchill.
CUJO is Cambridge University's premier jazz ensemble, previously performing in numerous professional venues in the UK and overseas on national and international tours, collaborating with world-famous musicians, composers and arrangers such as Mark Kavuma, Mo Pleasure, Emma Rawicz, Steve Waterman, Mark Nightingale, Mark Armstrong, Trish Clowes and Yazz Ahmed. CUJO is supported by the University of Cambridge Centre for Music Performance.
The Centre for Music Performance is a department of the University of Cambridge which believes that music is a fundamental part of a rounded education and enables students of all subjects and levels of musical experience to make cocurricular music of all genres a core part of their lives. The Centre runs an exceptionally broad programme of musical activities, from orchestras to DJing classes and from instrument lessons for beginners to masterclasses with world-leading performers.